Starshield speed cap grounded Ukrainian drones; senator calls for investigation

Speed caps on Starshield satellite terminals on October 13 and 14 cut the link to Ukrainian drones flying faster than roughly 72 to 161 kilometres an hour, according to the Drone Warfare Intelligence Monthly (DWIM) review. Interceptor drones and mid-range strike drones were hit hardest.

During the cap, Russia launched 269 drones and 39 missiles in 24 hours. Connectivity was partly restored by October 16, to about 160 km/h, but President Zelensky said on October 22 that limits remained.

Who gave the order?

According to Reuters, the order came from the White House, which a White House official denied. Senator Thom Tillis has called for a Defense Department Inspector General review. According to the same review, the US eased sanctions on Russian diesel on October 9.

Figures are taken from the DWIM monthly review, which compiles government, military and media reports; some claims have not been independently verified.